Page 21 - AHATA

a8 local
Thursday 25 sepTember 2025

Experience a taste of Belgium in Aruba – Only at L’Avenue, Palm Beach

tion of premium Belgian beers, and an
atmosphere that balances European
elegance with island ease make it one
of the most talked-about dining spots in
Aruba.

Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch,
a romantic dinner, or a celebratory eve-
ning with friends, L’Avenue delivers a din-
ing experience that’s as memorable as it
is delicious.
to steaming pots of fresh mussels flown in
weekly, the menu offers something both Open daily for lunch and dinner
comforting and surprising. Located in the heart of Palm Beach, Aru-
Lunch includes a variety of sandwiches— ba
with a healthy selection of bread op- Come discover Belgium’s best — right
tions—if you’re going for a light meal, but here at L’Avenue.q
Nestled in the heart of Palm Beach, Aruba, L’Avenue just like their dinner selection, also includes
brings a fresh breeze of Belgian charm to the Caribbe- steak, chicken, fish, and even rabbit if
an. Just over a year since its grand opening, this intimate you’re craving a bit more of L’Avenue’s
bistro has quickly made its mark with its warm hospital- exquisite menu. And let’s not forget their
ity, authentic cuisine, and elegant yet approachable wide selection of Belgian beer and Euro-
ambiance. pean wine to complete the tasty expe-
rience! But that’s not all! L’Avenue is of-
Whether you're strolling through Palm Beach after a fering their guests their Early Bird Special,
morning at the beach or looking for a special dinner available every day from 4pm to 7pm.
spot, L’Avenue welcomes you with an inviting terrace, Enjoy this affordable and delectable
stylish décor, and the comforting aroma of Belgian 3-course meal special at a comfortable
classics crafted to perfection. It’s a place where locals, price of $29.50 per guest, which includes
travelers, food lovers, and beer connoisseurs come to- a selection of their fine in-house wine.
gether — united by a love for great food, heartfelt ser-
vice, and that unmistakable European flair. More Than a Bistro
A Culinary Destination
At L’Avenue, every dish tells a story — one of tradi- L’Avenue is more than just a place to eat
tion, seasonality, and bold yet balanced flavors. From — it’s a culinary destination. A thought-
crispy croquettes and perfectly poured Belgian beers fully curated menu, an extensive selec-

Cas di Torto

Cas di torto (also called cas di lodo or cas di water and para grass. This is then coated with
bara) is a traditional building technique from aloe vera juice, which gives the white colour and
Aruba. It refers to a type of houses made of mud helps to protect against the weather.
with rounded corners. These houses were usually
found around the plantations. The few structures On top of the poles pieces of wood are fitted
that still exist are the oldest structures that are left that serve as the base for the roof beams. Until
standing in the country. 1815 the roofing usually consisted of corn (maize)
stems, afterwards the nuclei of columnar cacti
The technique probably came over from the were used. The floor is made of loam, mixed with
Venezuelan Paraguaná Peninsula in the 18th cement or cow dung.
century. Existing houses date back 150 years.
Until 1925 many houses on Aruba were built us- The houses were usually divided into a kitchen, a
ing this technique, afterwards it fell into disuse. living room, a porch and a bedroom. In the kitch-
In 2005 there were 62 cas di torto houses left, of en would be a wooden or metal barrel for stor-
which only four were in good condition. ing water that was collected in small rain ponds.
Around this barrel a thick loam wall would be
The skeleton of the houses is made up of round erected. Often large families would live in these
wooden poles placed with distances of 1.5 feet houses; people would sleep on mats on the floor.
between them. Branches are interwoven be-
tween them, completing the structural support. If you visit the Arikok National Park you will be
On this basis, loam is applied, mixed with sand, able to see a very nice cas di torto.q